The US Open mixed doubles event is set for another star-studded edition, with Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka leading the list of confirmed pairings for the 2026 tournament.

The experienced duo is expected to be among the first six teams to secure direct entry based on combined world rankings once the entry deadline closes on August 17.

While several of the sport’s biggest names have signed up, men’s world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz will not compete in this year’s mixed doubles competition.

Revamped format returns for second year

The US Open will continue with the mixed doubles format introduced last year, which was designed to attract more leading singles players.

The competition features shorter scoring during the early rounds and is scheduled across two days before the start of the men’s and women’s singles draws.

Last year’s champions, Italian pair Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, return to defend their title. The duo lifted the trophy in 2025 and collected the $1 million winners’ prize despite previously expressing concerns about the tournament’s revised format.

USTA highlights excitement of mixed doubles

US Ten nis Association CEO Craig Tiley welcomed another strong entry list and praised the format for bringing together the sport’s biggest stars.”Anytime you can bring women and men together on the same team, you showcase tennis at its best,” he said.

He added, “This is exactly what the mixed doubles championship does.”

Tiley also expressed confidence that fans would enjoy the competition. “We are proud to again bring the world’s top players together in a format that will provide exciting entertainment for our fans,” he said in that regard.

Why are Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz missing?

Sinner has decided not to enter the mixed doubles competition as he focuses on preparing for the year’s final Grand Slam. The Wimbledon champion is also skipping the Canadian Open to prioritise his fitness ahead of the US Open.

Alcaraz will also miss the event as he continues recovering from the wrist injury that forced him to withdraw from both the French Open and Wimbledon earlier this season.

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US Open mixed doubles schedule and qualification

The mixed doubles tournament begins on August 25, five days before the singles events get underway. Alongside the six teams earning direct entry through rankings, eight additional pairs will receive wild cards, with those selections to be announced later.

The remaining two places in the main draw will be decided through an eight-team qualifying competition scheduled for August 24, completing the field for one of the opening attractions of the 2026 US Open.

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FAQs

Why are Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz not playing US Open mixed doubles?

Jannik Sinner is prioritising his fitness ahead of the US Open, while Carlos Alcaraz is recovering from a wrist injury.

Who are the defending US Open mixed doubles champions?

Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori are the defending champions after winning the title in 2025.